researcher in laboratory

CMI Project 3.1.11: Lithium, cobalt & platinum group metals recovery from lithium-ion batteries & e-waste

two researchers in laboratory
Tedd Lister and Luis Diaz-Aldana at Idaho National Laboratory conduct research on recovery rare earths and precious metals. Their work has led to a Federal Laboratory Consortium Far West Region award, an Idaho Innovation Award for Early-Stage Innovation of the Year, and to a Small Business Voucher (SBV) pilot from the U.S. Department of Energy. 

Tedd Lister at Idaho National Laboratory leads the CMI project "Lithium, cobalt & platinum group metals recovery from lithium-ion batteries & w-waste"

This project addresses recovery of critical elements from electronic scrap and spent Li-ion batteries (LIB). Processes being developed are integrated into flow sheets backed by economic modeling to ensure economic viability. Task 1 seeks to develop chemical extractions chemistry for recovering cobalt as well as valuable transition metals using new and commercial extraction agents. Task 2 develops methods to dissolve cathode metals from LIB, selectively extract lithium and recover graphite. Task 3 targets scrap electronics possessing platinum group elements and rare earth elements. Collectively, these tasks are working with industry to develop solutions to take to the next level.

CMI technology EC-Leach was developed at Idaho National Laboratory and won an R&D 100 Award in 2022.
CMI technology EC-Leach was developed at Idaho National Laboratory and won an R&D 100 Award in 2022.

Link to a CMI webinar: Recycling of Critical Elements from Lithium Ion Batteries

Link to information on licensing the EC-Leach technology: Recycling of Li-ion Battery Electrodes

This project supported this highlight:

Isolation of Ni/Co-rich salt crystals from low pH solutions